Saturday, March 29, 2025
Just a day after unveiling his Gaza peace proposal, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group must surrender its weapons or be forced to do so by the United States. His remarks came in response to a question about the peace plan’s clause requiring Hamas to disarm.
Trump said bluntly, “Hamas must surrender. If they don’t, we will make them surrender.” Speaking in his characteristic tone, he added that the group had already assured his team that they would disarm, but if they fail to keep that promise, America will “deal with them firmly,” even if that means using limited force.
“I spoke with Hamas,” Trump claimed. “They told my people, ‘Yes, sir, we will surrender all our weapons.’ That’s what they said. But if they don’t, we will make them.”
He also demanded that Hamas release every hostage and return all bodies in its possession, calling it a critical step toward sustainable peace in Gaza.
According to senior officials, Trump has assigned Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Representative for Middle East Affairs, to oversee the peace process, assisted by his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Both reportedly held talks with top Hamas officials at Sharm El-Sheikh, under Trump’s direct approval.
Due to U.S. mediation, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday, temporarily halting attacks on both sides. As part of the agreement, Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages, while Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
However, intelligence reports indicate concern that Hamas may regroup and rearm, as several of its fighters were seen celebrating the prisoner release by waving weapons and chanting anti-Israel slogans.
The U.S. administration fears that any renewed provocation could undermine the fragile truce, forcing Washington to reconsider its peacekeeping strategy.
